24 Enticing Summer Destinations In The Philippines
The temperature has once again started to rise here in the Philippines. What better way to beat the stressful (and hot) life in the city than to check out the many summer destinations that the country has to offer. There is, technically, no summer season here in the Philippine archipelago.
As a tropical country, the Philippines only have a couple of seasons – the wet and the dry destination. Actually, summer in the Philippines refers to the hot dry season, which is from March to May. Nevertheless, summer makes a fitting name for this time of the year, especially since school is out and the weather is pretty warm and sunny. Of course, you'll have to bring a superb and innovative bag and a beautiful swimwear for your trip to the Philippines.
Not sure which of the 7,107 islands in the country you want to go to? Here are are the top 24 summer destinations in the Philippines that you should add to your travel itinerary:
1. . Calauit Island, Palawan
Think you would have to fly out to an African country to go on a safari? You obviously do not have to. Once a residential area, this surreal wildlife haven in Palawan has been a home to giraffes, antelopes and zebras since the 1970s. With the number of animals still continuing to grow, Calauit Safari Park has certainly done well in its efforts to help save them from extinction.
2. Bohol
Despite the death of the largest captive Python in the country, Prony, back in 2013, Bohol still continues to lure visitors who want to catch sight of the country’s amazing and extraordinary wildlife. After all, Bohol’s Tarsier Conservatory is home to the rare and quirky tarsier, the world’s smallest primate. The Bohol Python and Wildlife Park also houses Kagwang or the Philippine flying lemur and other wildlife in the country. Indeed, Bohol is one of the Can't-miss summer destinations for people who are fond of watching animals. As an added bonus, Bohol as tons other amazing attractions as well, making it one of the best summer destinations in the Philippines. As a matter of fact, it is home to the iconic Chocolate Hills as well as the newest sensation in the region – the Sea of Clouds in Bohol.
3. Davao
If you would like to see the Philippine’s national bird, then the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao is the best place to go. The center houses 36 of this species, 18 of which are captive-bred and they also offer lectures on their programs to interested parties. Another chance to see wildlife in Davao is at the Davao Crocodile Park which does not just have crocodiles but also houses deer, pigeons, ostriches, iguanas and even tigers.
4. Olango Island
This small island is actually part of a cluster of islands that also include Sulpa, Gilotongan, Nalusuan, Caohagan, Pangan-an and Camungi located off the coast of Mactan, Cebu. Olango Island is best for those who would like to stay at uncrowded beaches or for those who would like to check out migratory birds and other animals at the wildlife sanctuary.
5. Sorsogon
Sorsogon is quite diverse when it comes to its environmental conservation efforts. If it’s fish and marine wildlife that you would like to see, Sorsogon’s Juag Lagoon Fish Sanctuary is the best place to feed the fish or swim with the turtles. Want to see wildlife on land? Visit the Mt. Bulusan National Park and Mountain Resort. This place is not just a wildlife sanctuary, but also a protected rainforest, so you can experience nature at its purest form.
6. Apo Island
Speaking of sea creatures, you might to considering making a stop to Apo Island. Home to a bunch of friendly sea turtles, this wildlife haven is truly one of the best and most sought-after summer destinations in the Philippines. Here, you’ll get to see a bunch of sea turtles, vibrant colors, as well as different types of sea creatures, like Nemo (clownfish actually).
7. Boracay
The ultimate summer destinations in the Philippines for beach bums, Boracay. Yet again, Boracay grabbed the top spot as the go-to summer destination for beach lovers in the Philippines. Home to powdery white sand beaches and the best sunset in the country, the island was just recently awarded the recognition of being the best island in the world by Travel+Leisure.
8. El Nido, Palawan
Found at the northernmost portion of Palawan, El Nido has the largest marine sanctuary in the country, making it a managed resource protected area. While El Nido is a sought-after diving destination, it is also a great getaway for those who would just love to lounge by the beach. Indeed, it is one of the top summer destinations in the country.
9. Guimaras
The province of Guimaras is among the smallest islands in the country and consists not just of Guimaras Island, but also of other neighboring islets namely Guiwanon, Inampulugan, Nadulao, Natunga and Panobolon, among many others. The best beaches to check out in Guimaras include those in Alubihod, Guisi, Guiwad, Mabalud and those of its surrounding islands.
10. Caramoan
You have probably seen this beautiful island as the setting in one of the seasons of Survivor. The way I see it, there will never be a dull moment in your visit to Caramoan with a whole bunch of beaches to check out and laze around. Try to see if you can get Cotivas, Gota, Guinahuan, Lahos, Lahuy, Malarad, Matukad or Sabitang Laya into your itinerary.
11. Kalanggaman Island
The ultimate beach break is one where you get to stay at a secluded island with nothing but just bare essentials. Kalanggaman Island in Leyte has among the best stretches of sand in the country but a word of warning to those used to the city life: there is no electricity here although there are a few solar-powered lamps around.
12. Siquijor
Who says Siquijor doesn’t belong a spot in any list of the best summer destinations in the Philippines? Although the island is known for its witchcraft and sorcery (which is not true, by the way), Siquijor actually has pristine and splendid beaches that will leave you speechless and in awe, such as the Paliton Beach and Salagdoon Beach. Plus, it has a bunch of other wondrous attractions that will surely make your summer escape unforgettable.
13. Fortune Island
Not only does it boast a splendid shoreline, but it also has Greek-like ruins that would remind of your Greece’s mythical gods, like Poseidon and Zeus. Furthermore, it’s a great place to snorkel and go on fascinating water adventures.
14. Camiguin
From a breathtaking sandbar to a Sunken Cemetery, Camiguin has all the hallmarks of one of the best summer destinations in the Philippines. Even if you’re not a bona fide beach bum, you’ll still find your bliss in the Southeast Asian island paradise.
15. Baguio
The cool mountain climate in this highly-urbanized city is the reason why it has earned its moniker as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines”. One of the coolest summer destinations in the country, this chilly city is flocked by tourists all-year round, although the numbers often double during peak seasons like summertime, the Holy Week, and year-end holidays.
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